Lion Links
Lion Links: 7/23/22
It’s a big match day, Mane Landers. Orlando City hosts the Eastern Conference-leading Philadelphia Union tonight at 7:30 p.m. A win does not seem out of the realm of possibility, as the Lions currently trail by only nine points on the table. However, the squad is going to need to put together one of their best team efforts across the board to do so. The fun does not stop there, as the rubber match between the Young Lions and Philly II will be played tomorrow at 7 p.m. as well. Let’s hope the first team can set the tone tonight and OCB can wrap it all up tomorrow. Now, it’s time for the links!
Orlando City Hosts Philadelphia Union
Orlando City took a short break from MLS play by adding in a friendly match against Arsenal on Wednesday. The club will be at home again tonight — this time against MLS side Philadelphia for the first meeting between the teams in league play in 2022. The two teams met earlier in the year in the Round of 32 of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on May 10, when Ercan Kara and Andrés Perea both found the back of the net.
Kara would love to score again against the Union and leads the Lions with eight goals in all competitions in 2022 — seven of which have come in league play. Facundo Torres follows closely behind with five and scored against Arsenal on Wednesday. The Lions will need to keep an eye on Dániel Gazdag, who leads the Union with nine goals this campaign, followed by Julián Carranza, with seven.
Young Lions Called Up
U-19 United States Men’s National Team Head Coach Marko Mitrović has called up 23 players for a training camp from July 25 to Aug. 2. Orlando City B will be offering up three of its players for the camp. Goalkeeper Dominic Pereira will be joining attackers Favian Loyola and Ethan Subachan on the plane to Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, CA. This will be Pereira’s first appearance with the U-19s.
The players called to Carson are also age-eligible for the U-20 side, which just qualified for the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Indonesia and the 2024 Olympics in Paris with its performance at the 2022 Concacaf U-20 Championship in Honduras. The players born in 2005 are also age-eligible for the 2024-2025 U-20 World Cup cycle. Hopefully, the Young Lions can prove themselves worthy in this camp as they work towards inking their names on the U-20 World Cup roster.
OCB Keeper One to Watch
If you have yet to see Javier Otero feature for Orlando City B, you might also recognize his name from a couple of recent short-term contracts with the first team. He was recently signed to fill in as backup goalkeeper due to Orlando’s usual second- and third-string keepers being out with injury. While he has yet to play in a match for the senior Lions, he has been making a name for himself across MLS NEXT Pro. He has recently been listed as one of five MLS NEXT Pro goalkeepers that MLS clubs should keep their eyes on.
Otero was named MLS NEXT Pro’s Goalkeeper of the Month for April. At only 19 years of age, Otero towers in goal as a man amongst boys at 6-foot-6. Across 12 matches this season, Otero has 70 saves while only conceding 24 goals. He boasts three clean sheets, a 74.5% save percentage, and 16 additional clearances.
Sebas Mendez Welcomed in LA
LAFC added Orlando City’s Sebas Mendez to the tem’s list of summer transfers Tuesday for $300,000 in guaranteed General Allocation Money, with another $450,000 in conditional GAM tied to the Ecuadorian international’s performance metrics with the Black & Gold.
Mendez has more than three years of MLS experience and more than 4,500 regular-season minutes with the Lions, He will be joining his countrymen, Jose Cifuentes and Diego Palacios, on the club level now as well. The three players will be chasing a Qatar 2022 World Cup spot with La Tri later this fall.
LAFC Head Coach Steve Cherundolo described his newest addition as a versatile midfielder who can play multiple spots.
“He is physically very gifted and covers a lot of ground and is quite aggressive. His ball-winning abilities is something that we’re also looking for in players, and he brings that. On top of that, he’s technically proficient and has an eye for certain windows. So he fits very nicely into an 8 position for us, and in a pinch, he can play in a 6 position.”
It has yet to be seen if Orlando City will replace Mendez this transfer window or wait until the end of the season. Mendez has already integrated into his new club and could play as soon as LAFC’s visit to Sporting Kansas City tonight at 8:30 p.m.
Luis Gil Joins Union Omaha
Former Orlando City midfielder Luis Gil has joined USL League One side Union Omaha. In 2017, Gil joined Orlando City from Querétaro of Liga MX on loan and featured in 17 matches for the Lions. Orlando City went on to swap midfielders with the Colorado Rapids in the final hours of the MLS summer transfer window, when the Rapids received Gil and $100,000 of Targeted Allocation Money and Orlando claimed Dillon Powers.
At the international level, Gil only earned two caps with the USMNT senior team. However, at the youth international level, Gil accumulated over 50 appearances and 12 goals, and played in the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup, the 2009 Concacaf U-17 Championship, the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup, and the 2013 Concacaf U-20 Championship.
“Luis adds great quality and experience to our team,” Union Omaha Head Coach Jay Mims said. “He has played at the highest level in our country including at every level with the USMNT. Adding an experienced, quality player like Luis will have such a great impact on our team on and off the field for the second half of the season. We are excited to welcome Luis to the club and I know the players are eager to have another hard-working, humble person in the locker room.”
Free Kicks
- USMNT midfielder Weston McKennie spoke about his off-season, transfer rumors, and maintaining focus for Juventus.
- MLSsoccer.com’s Andrew Wiebe gave his thoughts on which MLS teams on the bubble will make the 2022 MLS Cup playoffs and why.
- New York City FC striker Valentin Castellanos is still training and in the squad for today’s match, despite being linked to a Girona transfer.
- Toronto FC Head Coach and Sporting Director Bob Bradley confirmed Friday that Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi will both mark their first minutes in MLS since the Italian international forwards joined this summer.
- New England Revolution Head Coach Bruce Arena will not rush striker Giacomo Vrioni into his debut.
- Minnesota United Head Coach Adrian Heath played it cool on his team’s win against Everton.
- The beach soccer version of the USMNT defeated Portugal, 6-5, with the side’s goalkeeper scoring the winner.
🚨 #USbeachMNT 🇺🇸 defeat 🇵🇹 – the 2015 / 2019 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup and 7X Mundialito champs!
⚽️ 1st: 2-2 (Antonio Chavez, Gabe Silveira)
⚽️ 2nd: 4-4 (Chris Albiston, Silveira)
⚽️ 3rd: Nico Perea, GK Chris Toth with the winner from 28 yards! #Mundialito2022 pic.twitter.com/KQh511Pu7w— U.S. Soccer Extended National Teams (@ussoccer_ENT) July 22, 2022
- Sweden scored a stoppage-time winner to beat Belgium in Euro 2022 quarterfinals.
- Eden Hazard is not thinking about a move to MLS for now as he vowed to prove himself at Real Madrid this season.
- Nacional fans have been wearing Luis Suarez masks in attempt to convince him to return to his homeland.
That’s all the links for today. You know what to do now. Pull on your purple jersey, start the pregame rituals, and head over to Exploria Stadium. Let’s get this weekend off to a great start. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/8/24
Orlando Pride move up in power rankings, OCSC will celebrate Pride Month, Orlando City B plays tonight, and more.
Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. We’re halfway through the week and I hope you’re doing well. Personally, I love Wednesdays, because in my job they are effectively my “Friday,” as my day off is on Thursday. So, as such, I love bringing you the news to start out your midweek morning. Let’s get to the links.
Orlando Pride Nearly Top Power Rankings
The Orlando Pride are at the top of the NWSL standings with 18 points, and are riding a five-match winning streak while staying undefeated so far this season. If you thought that would be enough for the team to top ESPN‘s NWSL power rankings, you’d be wrong. The Pride actually came in at second despite all the factors I listed above, with the Kansas City Current ranked above them. Even more shocking is that the writer admits he doesn’t have much of a reason for not ranking the Pride first. I’m not sure what to do with my hands.
Orlando Soccer Matches Will Celebrate Pride Month
Orlando City and the Orlando Pride will recognize Pride Month during a pair of matches in June at Inter&Co Stadium. The Pride are set to host the Utah Royals on June 21 and the Lions will then host the Chicago Fire on June 22. Both matches will include celebrating Orlando’s LGBTQ+ community and honoring the victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting. There are plenty of additional events throughout Pride Month in the Greater Orlando Area as well. I will be at those matches and I hope to see you there as well.
Orlando City B Hosts New York Red Bulls II Tonight
OCB will try to follow up a result on the road with its first result at home tonight at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee. Forwards Yutaro Tsukada and Shak Mohammed lead the attack for the Young Lions as the club plays only its third home match of the season — and only the second at its actual home field. There’s plenty to look for from OCB as it takes on New York Red Bulls II at 7 p.m. Try to make it to the match if you are able.
U.S. Soccer Doubles Down
The battle between the USWNT and U.S. Soccer over equal pay has been going on for years. Now, U.S. Soccer has reportedly employed Washington D.C. lobbying firms to provide what the organization asserts are “accurate information and factual numbers” to policy makers. Spokespersons for the players’ associations of both the USWNT and USMNT expressed disappointment regarding the move by U.S. Soccer. The issue is front and center as two congresswomen have proposed legislation to block funding for the 2026 World Cup unless equal pay is enacted.
Free Kicks
- Were you wondering how good Barbra Banda has been since arriving in Orlando? Me neither, but here is a cool stat from OptaJack on her shot production.
- Orlando City fans know all too well how good FC Cincinnati’s Luciano Acosta is at scoring goals. Now, the striker is in the process of becoming a naturalized citizen of the U.S. and expressed a desire to play for the USMNT. It would be nice to have him score goals for a team I support.
- Nottingham Forest’s point reduction appeal was rejected by the independent board overseeing the decision. Only three points separate Nottingham from Luton Town and the relegation zone with two matches left this season.
- I know that some Orlando City fans were hoping to see Thiago Silva join the Lions after he left Chelsea, but that rumor never made sense financially, and the defender has chosen to rejoin his old Brazilian club, Fluminense.
- It’s not often that someone follows up an unpopular decision with an even more unpopular explanation for that decision, but that is exactly what MLS Commissioner Don Garber did when explaining that the U.S. Open Cup didn’t offer a competition that “drives value” and that “rises to the level where fans care about it.” I’m sure everyone will now understand the decision. Well done, Commish.
That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the Orlando City and Orlando Pride matches this weekend. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/7/24
Barbra Banda up for NWSL Goal of the Week, Americans in midweek action, Champions League preview, and more.
Happy Tuesday, everyone. It was a mixed bag for Orlando’s teams over the weekend, as Orlando City B drew 1-1 with Chattanooga FC and lost the subsequent shootout, Orlando City lost 1-0 to FC Cincinnati, and the Orlando Pride won 1-0 over Racing Louisville. As usual, we have a lot to talk through this morning, so let’s dig into the links.
Barbra Banda Up for Goal of the Week
Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda has been nominated for the NWSL Goal of the Week for her strike in the 77th minute against the North Carolina Courage last Wednesday. Banda controlled the ball off a throw-in, turned, and drove across the box before slotting a low shot past Casey Murphy for the Pride’s fourth and final goal of the game. She scored twice in that game and scored again in Sunday’s win over Racing Louisville. Banda now has four goals in four games — including at least one in each of her three starts since appearing off the bench in her debut — and shows no sign of slowing down. Make sure you go vote for her to win this week’s award!
Americans in Midweek Action
As usual, there are a number of Americans playing games this week, so make sure you mark down any that you want to tune in for. Wednesday has Brandon Vazquez and Monterrey traveling to El Volcan to take on Tigres in the quarterfinals of the Clausura. Moving to Friday, Tanner Tessmann, Gianluca Busio, and Venezia have a chance to gain promotion to Serie A if they beat Spezia and Como loses. On the other side of things, former Lion Nicholas Gioacchini and Como play Cosenza, and will secure automatic promotion as long as they don’t have a worse result than Venezia.
UEFA Champions League Preview
The UEFA Champions League continues this week with the second legs of the two semifinal matchups. In this afternoon’s game, Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique has said that even Kylian Mbappe will have to work hard defensively if his team is going to progress to the final. Borussia Dortmund leads that tie 1-0, and will need to rely on a defense that has kept five clean sheets in this year’s tournament. However, the German club has a concerning record away from home, where it has lost nine of its last 11 games. In tomorrow’s game between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, this season’s La Liga winner will hope its finishing prowess continues from the first leg, when it turned two chances into two goals.
European Transfer Rumor Roundup
With European seasons drawing to a close, the transfer rumor mill is starting to heat up, which means there are several items worth discussing today. First, Manchester United will reportedly face competition to sign Crystal Palace star Michael Olise. Chelsea and PSG are said to also be interested in signing the Frenchman, who was instrumental in his side’s 4-0 drubbing of the Red Devils yesterday. Staying in the Premier League, Virgil van Dijk has said he intends to be part of the transition following Jurgen Klopp’s departure from Liverpool, confirming that he does not intend to leave in the summer. Elsewhere, Bayern Munich is said to have agreed to personal terms with AC Milan’s Theo Hernandez. David Moyes has confirmed he will leave West Ham at the end of the season, with reports suggesting that the Hammers have reached an agreement with Julen Lopetegui to be the team’s new manager.
Free Kicks
- Orlando City held steady at 20th in ESPN’s MLS power rankings.
- Bruno Fernandes missed a club match due to injury for the first time in his career, as he did not play in Manchester United’s loss to Crystal Palace.
- Speaking of that match, the Premier League outfitted the referee with a camera for the first time in that game, with the footage to be released at a later date.
- Angel City FC will enter a team in The Soccer Tournament this summer.
- Will Ferrell has bought a stake in Leeds United.
That’s all I have for you this morning. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/6/24
Lions lose at home, Orlando Pride win, OCB draws Chattanooga FC, and more.
Hello, Mane Landers. I hope all is well with you down in Florida. It was another mixed weekend for our teams as the Lions lost, the Pride won, and OCB drew. As for me, I’ve been busy managing the broadcast operations for the NISA league’s matches this weekend and also got a chance to cover high school soccer, softball, and badminton. There is plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.
Lions Lose at Home to FC Cincinnati
Orlando City lost at home for the second straight weekend with a 1-0 defeat to FC Cincinnati at Inter&Co Stadium on Saturday. Luciano Acosta scored the lone goal for Cincinnati just seconds into the match. Orlando City went down to 10 men when defender Rodrigo Schlegel received a red card in the first half. The Lions had some chances to get back in this one, including a free kick opportunity in the second half when Wilder Cartagena scored what would have been the equalizer, but Facundo Torres was ruled offside, and the goal was waved off. Cincinnati also dropped to 10 men late in the second half as defender Bret Halsey received his second yellow for a foul on Ivan Angulo and knocked the ball out to waste time. Still, FC Cincinnati found a way to hang on for the victory, securing its third win in a row. Orlando City will look to rebound on Saturday as it takes on the Philadelphia Union at Suburu Park.
Orlando Pride Win at Home Against Racing Louisville FC
The Orlando Pride defeated Racing Louisville FC on Sunday, 1-0, at Inter&Co Stadium, winning their fifth straight game. Barbra Banda scored the lone goal of the match and now has four goals for the Pride this season. The Pride remain undefeated in league play, keeping their unbeaten streak alive at eight matches (5-0-3). Orlando also moved up to first in the NWSL table with 18 points. The Pride will be back home on Saturday to face Bay FC.
OCB Draws Chattanooga FC
Orlando City B drew 1-1 on the road against Chattanooga FC on Saturday. The Young Lions trailed early in the first half as Mehdi Ouamri put Chattanooga FC in front 1-0. Later in the first half, OCB got an equalizer, with forward Shak Mohammed finding the back of the net to score his second goal of the season. The match went to penalties after 90 minutes of action, where Chattanooga FC won the extra point with a 5-4 win over OCB. Despite not getting the extra point in penalties, the Young Lions still keep their road unbeaten streak alive at five. OCB will have a quick turnaround with its next match at Osceola County Stadium on Wednesday against New York Red Bulls II.
European Soccer Roundup
Real Madrid clinched the La Liga title on Saturday, defeating Cadiz 3-0, while their rivals Barcelona dropped points in a 4-2 loss to Girona over the weekend. Madrid has now won La Liga for the 36th time and still has a shot of adding another trophy if it gets past Bayern Munich in the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday to reach the final next month. Elsewhere, we had plenty of drama in England. Let’s start in the EFL Championship, where Ipswich Town joined Leicester City, getting promoted to the Premier League after a 2-0 victory against Huddersfield Town. Leeds United, Southhampton, West Brom, and Norwich City will go to the playoffs to determine the third club to secure promotion. Arsenal won 3-0 over Bournemouth, while Manchester City cruised to a 5-1 win over Wolves to keep the EPL title race tight. Arsenal is in first with 83 points, with two matches remaining, while Manchester City is just behind in second with 82 points and three matches left to play.
Free Kicks
- Orlando Pride midfielder Ally Lemos gave insight on her first NWSL start for the Pride after their match against Racing Louisville FC on Sunday.
- PSV Eindhoven clinched the Eredivisie title on Sunday with a 4-2 win over Sparta Rotterdam. American Malik Tillman played for 90 minutes, while Ricardo Pepi came off the bench and added an assist.
- USMNT midfielder Christian Pulisic put on a solid performance and contributed an assist for AC Milan in a 3-3 draw against Genoa on Saturday.
- USWNT forward Catarina Macario came off the bench for Chelsea in the second half and made WSL history by adding two assists in 10 minutes in an 8-0 win over Bristol City.
- Despite their manager Xabi Alonso being in the stands serving a suspension due to yellow card accumulation, Bayer Leverkusen dominated Eintracht Frankfurt 5-1 and extended its unbeaten streak to 48 matches.
- Wrexham is reportedly targeting Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy. His contract expires with the Premier League-bound club at the end of June.
That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday and I’ll see you next time.
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